News / Roofing Company fined after complaints from the public

9 June 2017

A roofing company has been fined £80,000 after numerous complaints were raised by members of the public about work being carried out by the company.

The Court heard that the company had ignored 2 written advices to address unsafe work at height, and then in 2016 a member of the public contacted the HSE are seeing further unsafe work at height activities.

HSE inspectors visited the site and found that one of the operatives was using a ladder resting on the pitch of the roof at the unguarded gable end, to work on the flashings of the two-storey house.

A prohibition notice was served, but the company failed to take any steps to rectify the dangerous working methods or conditions. As a result, the company was found guilty in its absence to breaching Regulations 4(1)(a) and 4(1)(c) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 by virtue of Regulation 3(b).

Following the hearing, the HSE inspector involved with the case commented: “The dangers associated with working at height are well-known and G & S Roofing had a duty to protect all operatives from the risk of falling from height.

“Despite repeated advice, the company failed to put in adequate precautionary measures.

“It is vital for duty-holders to ensure that all issues related to health and safety are suitably addressed, particularly when the issues are highlighted.”

This case is the perfect example of why you need to ensure anyone carrying out work at height activities is competent to do so. This company showed a complete disregard for safety and ignored HSE advice and notices, demonstrating a total lack of competency and a reckless disregard for the law. Something a competent company would never do!